Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats: serological, pathological, and clinical monitoring during gestation.

This study aimed to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant goats. The goats were divided into two groups: group one (G1) comprised of 31 pregnant goats naturally infected with T. gondii, and group two (G2) comprised of seven uninfected pregnant goats from a flock with a history of abortion due to toxoplasmosis. Serological investigation, ultrasonography, and clinical testing were performed on all goats during gestation. Serum samples from goats and their offspring (precolostral) were collected to evaluate the vertical transmission of T. gondii. Samples from placentas and aborted fetuses were also collected for molecular and histopathological analysis. Results showed that in G1, estrus recurrence occurred in 22.6% (7/31) of the goats, embryonic death in 3.3% (1/31), and abortion in 19.4% (6/31). An increase in anti-T. gondii antibodies was observed in G1 goats at day 150 of pregnancy. T. gondii DNA was detected in 42.8% (3/7) of aborted fetuses and was associated with histopathological lesions caused by this parasite. Moreover, toxoplasmosis in field conditions caused by genotype ToxoDB #1 in pregnant goats resulted in severe reproductive loss in the flock.

First description of clonal lineage type II (genotype #1) of Toxoplasma gondii in abortion outbreak in goats.

The purpose of this study was to perform genotypic characterization and to evaluate the virulence of Toxoplasma gondii obtained from aborted fetuses in an abortion outbreak in goats from northeastern Brazil. Brain samples from 32 fetuses were submitted to mouse bioassay for T. gondii isolation. Two isolates were obtained and subjected to genotypic characterization. Isolate virulence was evaluated using murine model in different doses (from 105 to 101 tachyzoites/mL). In genotyping, both isolates were classified as clonal lineage type II (genotype #1 ToxoDB) and showed to be virulent for mice. This is the first description of genotype #1 in cases of goat abortion, showing the circulation of virulent T. gondii isolate producing reproductive disorders in pregnant goat.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine trichomonosis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cows from dairy herds in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. In total, 383 samples of cervico-vaginal mucus were collected from cows on 21 herds in 19 districts. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and submitted for polymerase chain reaction analysis. An investigative questionnaire was used to analyze the risk factors, using questions related to reproductive and hygiene/sanitation management. A prevalence of 1.8% (0.8-3.9%; confidence interval (CI) 95%) and 33.4% (28.7-38.4%; CI 95%) was found for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and T. foetus, respectively. In terms of the number of foci, 28.6% of the herds contained at least one animal that was positive for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 90.5% for T. foetus. The present study identified herds larger than 100 animals as a risk factor for bovine genital campylobacteriosis (OR = 7.2; CI 1.3-38.4%; p = 0.020) and the use of natural breeding as a risk factor for bovine trichomonosis (OR = 2.4; CI 1.1-5.9%; p = 0.041). In conclusion, C. fetus subsp. venerealis and T. foetus infections occurred in the region studied and high numbers of foci were found. Thus, prophylaxis and control measures, such as diagnosis, separation, and sexual rest for infected females, are suggested. An artificial insemination program with early rigorous sanitary care should be implemented on the properties in order to avoid the spread of agents in the herds.

Coxiella burnetii in dairy goats with a history of reproductive disorders in Brazil.

Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular bacterium, is the agent of Q fever/coxiellosis, a worldwide zoonosis. Dairy animals are the primary reservoirs of C. burnetii, and although the disease is usually asymptomatic or subclinical, abortion is a serious clinical outcome among small ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate C. burnetii seroprevalence and infection In a flock of dairy goats in Brazil. Serum samples from 312 goats collected from a dairy goat flock with a history of reproductive failure were tested by a commercial ELISA (LSIVet Ruminant Q Fever - Serum/Milk; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lissieu, France) for anti-C. burnetii IgG antibodies. Samples of cotyledons from 23 placentas were analyzed by nested PCR for the presence of the bacterial DNA. ELISA seroreactivity was found in 55.1% (172/312; 95% CI = 49.4%-60.7%) of the serum samples analyzed. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 8.7% (2/23) of the placental samples tested, where both animals were also seropositive. This study reports the first description of C. burnetii infection in an abortion outbreak in goats in Brazil. The results point out to the importance of including this disease in animal and public health surveillance programs as well as into the list of abortive diseases in goats in Brazil.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in bovine milk from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to detect the IS900 region of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in bovine milk samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional PCR, and to study the agreement between these tests. A total of 121 bovine milk samples were collected from herds considered positive for MAP, from the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. MAP DNA was detected in 20 samples (16.5%) using conventional PCR and in 34 samples (28.1%) using qPCR. MAP DNA was detected in all of the 6 animal farms studied. Moderate agreement was found between qPCR and conventional PCR results, where the sensitivity and specificity of conventional PCR in relation to qPCR were 50% and 96.6%, respectively. Thus, the IS900 region of MAP was found in bovine milk samples from the State of Pernambuco. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MAP DNA found in bovine milk in Northeast Brazil. We also demonstrated the qPCR technique is more sensitive than conventional PCR with respect to detection of MAP in milk samples.

Risk factors associated with leptospirosis in swine in state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Fatores de risco associados à leptospirose em suínos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Leptospirosis is a major public health threat, and swine are one of the most important reservoirs and sources of Leptospira infection for man. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of leptospirosis in swine in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples from 265 swine were collected and tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and an epidemiological form containing questions about animal production characteristics, reproductive management, and sanitary and hygiene aspects of the herd was applied to evaluate infection risk factors. The data were analyzed by means of a logistic regression model. An occurrence of 53.1% (143/265) of swine positives to Leptospira spp. was observed. The most commons serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (39.1%), Pomona (25.9%), and Shermani (14.0%). Factors associated with the infection were stagnant water source (p = 0.034, odds ratio - OR = 2.29; confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 1.06-4.93), farms where the healthy animals are bred with sick ones (OR = 1.69; 95%CI 1.04-2.75), and the properties with flooded areas (OR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.01-2.68). The risk factors found in this study played an important role in the agent dissemination and should be avoided in a way to control the disease in the herds studied.(AU)

A leptospirose é um grande problema de saúde pública, e os suínos são um dos mais importantes reservatórios e fonte de infecção por Leptospira para o homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a situação epidemiológica da leptospirose em suínos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Amostras de sangue de 265 suínos foram coletadas e testadas pelo teste de microaglutinação (MAT), e foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico contendo perguntas sobre características da produção, manejo reprodutivo e aspectos sanitários e de higiene do rebanho para avaliar fatores de risco de infecção. Os dados foram analisados por meio de um modelo de regressão logística. Foi observada ocorrência de 53,1% (143/265) de suínos positivos para Leptospira spp. Os sorovares mais comuns foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (39,1%), Pomona (25,9%) e Shermani (14,0%). Os fatores associados à infecção foram fonte de água parada (p = 0,034; odds ratio - OR = 2,29; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,06-4,93), fazendas onde animais saudáveis são criados com os doentes (OR = 1,69; IC95% 1,04-2,75) e áreas inundadas (OR = 1,65; IC95% 1,01-2,68). Os fatores de risco encontrados neste estudo desempenharam papel importante na disseminação do agente e devem ser evitados, de forma a controlar a doença nos rebanhos estudados.(AU)

Epidemiology of Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma mycoides cluster in flocks of northeastern Brazil / Epidemiologia de Mycoplasma agalactiae e Mycoplasma mycoides cluster em rebanhos do nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate contagious agalactia (CA) in flocks from Pernambuco State. The study involved 225 goats and 63 ewes; 288 milk samples and 100 vaginal swabs were collected in total. The PCR assays were carried out using specific primers to Mycoplasma agalactiae and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Among the goat's milk samples,12.0% (27/225) were positive for Mycoplasma agalactiae DNA, while 5.3% (12/225) contained the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Of the vaginal swabs taken from goats, 15.4% (12/78) were positive for Mycoplasma agalactiae DNA and 3.8% (3/78) contained the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. In the case of ewes, 4.3% (1/23) of the milk samples contained Mycoplasma agalactiae DNA, and 7.5% (3/40) were positive for the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Vaginal swabs taken from sheep´s were negative. Analysis of risk factors for mycoplasmosis, showed that goats and sheep flocks on the extensive breeding system are more likely to have mycoplasmosis than those on the intensive breeding system (odds ratio (OR) 6.2; p=0.004); meat goat and sheep flocks are more likely to have infection compared to dairy flocks (OR 4.8; p=0.011); unclean animal housing increases the chances of infection (OR 5.0; p=0.031) and not performing quarantine increases the chances of mycoplasmosis (OR 4.6; p=0.042). Based on these findings we conclude that CA syndrome in the semiarid region of Pernambuco state can be associated with Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma mycoides cluster.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a Agalaxia contagiosa em rebanhos do estado de Pernambuco. Foram examinadas 225 cabras e 63 ovelhas, das quais foram colhidas 288 amostras de leite e 100 suabes vaginais. Foram realizadas reações da PCR com iniciadores específicos para Mycoplasma agalactiae e Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. A frequência total de Mycoplasma agalactiae em amostras de leite caprino foi de 12,0% (27/225) e de 5,3% (12/225) para Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Dos suabes vaginais de cabras as frequências detectadas na PCR foram de 15,4% (12/78) para Mycoplasma agalactiaee 3,8% (3/78) para Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Em leite de ovelhas a frequência de Ma foi de 4.3% (1/23) e de 7,5% (3/40) para Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Na análise dos fatores de risco para micoplasmoses verificou-se que rebanhos de caprinos e ovinos mantidos no sistema extensivo são mais prováveis de adquirir micoplasmose quando comparados com o sistema intensivo (odds ratio (OR) 6,2; p=0,004); rebanhos de caprinos e ovinos de corte são mais prováveis de adquirir micoplamsose do que rebanhos de leite (OR 4,8; p=0,011); não realizar limpeza das instalações aumenta as chances de infecção (OR 5,0; p=0,031); não realizar quarentena aumenta as chances das micoplasmoses estudadas (OR 4,6; p=0,042). Conclui-se que M. agalactiae e Mycoplasma mycoides cluster estão envolvidos na síndrome de CA em rebanhos de caprinos e ovinos do semiárido pernambucano.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in bovine milk from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to detect the IS900 region of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in bovine milk samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional PCR, and to study the agreement between these tests. A total of 121 bovine milk samples were collected from herds considered positive for MAP, from the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. MAP DNA was detected in 20 samples (16.5%) using conventional PCR and in 34 samples (28.1%) using qPCR. MAP DNA was detected in all of the 6 animal farms studied. Moderate agreement was found between qPCR and conventional PCR results, where the sensitivity and specificity of conventional PCR in relation to qPCR were 50% and 96.6%, respectively. Thus, the IS900 region of MAP was found in bovine milk samples from the State of Pernambuco. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MAP DNA found in bovine milk in Northeast Brazil. We also demonstrated the qPCR technique is more sensitive than conventional PCR with respect to detection of MAP in milk samples.

Epidemiologic analysis of Leptospira spp. infection among sheep in Pernambuco state, Brazil / Análise epidemiológica da infecção por Leptospira spp. em ovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to analyze epidemiological aspects and spatial characteristics of Lesptospira spp. infection among sheep in Pernambuco state, Brazil. A total of 426 samples were collected from unvaccinated animals aged 1 year or older, and submitted to Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). To study the risk factors, a standardized investigative survey of sheep farmers, with objective questions, was conducted to establish the general characteristics of the farm property production, reproductive management, and health plan. From 426 samples analyzed, 83 (19.5%; CI 15.9 - 23.6%) were positive; among them, the most prevalent serovar was Autumnalis (32.4%). Significant differences were observed between gender (OR = 0.38; CI 0.14 - 0.99), production system (OR = 2.03; CI 1.07 - 3.84), types of herd (OR = 2.28; CI 1.39 - 3.72), absence of rodents to the grain storage (OR = 0.55; CI 0.34 - 0.91), and restriction to surface waters (OR = 0.60; CI 0.37 - 0.99). Leptospira spp. infection is disseminated in sheep herds, and multiple factors can influence its occurrence. Health education programs and worker training in prevention and control of leptospirosis and other infectious diseases may be useful to reduce infection rates and economic losses caused by this disease.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos e caracterizar espacialmente a infecção por Leptospira spp. em ovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Para compor a amostragem do estudo, foram colhidas 426 amostras de animais com idade igual ou superior a um ano, não vacinados, e submetidas à reação de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Para o estudo dos fatores de risco, aplicou-se um questionário investigativo padronizado, constituído por perguntas objetivas ao criador, referentes às características gerais da propriedade, ao manejo produtivo, reprodutivo e sanitário. Das 426 amostras analisadas, 83 (19,5%; IC 15,9 - 23,6%) foram positivas; entre elas, o sorovar de maior prevalência foi o Autumnalis (32,4%). Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre sexo (OR = 0,38; I.C. 0,14 - 0,99), sistema de criação (OR = 2,03; I.C. 1,07 - 3,84), tipo de rebanho (OR = 2,28; I.C. 1,39 - 3,72), ausência do acesso de ratos a ração (OR = 0,55; I.C. 0,34 - 0,91) e restrição a águas de superfície (OR = 0,60; I.C. 0,37 - 0,99). A infecção por Leptospira spp. está distribuída nos rebanhos ovinos e são múltiplos os fatores que podem influenciar sua ocorrência. A implantação de programas de educação em saúde e o treinamento da mão de obra em métodos de prevenção e controle da leptospirose e outras doenças infecciosas podem ser úteis na redução dos casos de infecção e na diminuição das perdas econômicas causadas por esta enfermidade.(AU)

Pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em grupos ocupacionais no Estado de Pernambuco / Detection of antibodies to Leptospira spp. in serum samples from occupational groups in the State of Pernambuco

A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. foi determinada em grupos ocupacionais do municípiode Garanhuns no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram colhidas 154 amostras, e um questionário foi aplicado para a análise dos fatores de risco. O diagnóstico sorológico foi realizado utilizando-se a técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. foi de 5,19 %(8/154; I.C. 2,27 % - 9,98 %); os participantes da zona urbana apresentaram prevalência de 5,68 % (5/88;I.C. 1,87 % - 12,76 %) e os da zona rural de 4,55 % (3/66; I.C. 0,95 % - 12,71 %). Os sorovares mais frequentes foram Grippotyphosa (12,5 %) na área rural, na área urbana Autumnalis (12,5 %), enquanto Wolffi (25 %) e Australis (50 %) foram verificados na área rural e na urbana. Na análise de fatores de risco não foi observada associação entre as variáveis estudadas e a reatividade na sorologia. Este foi o primeiro estudo a relatar a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em trabalhadores urbanos e rurais do município de Garanhuns. Este achado alerta para a atenção e realização de pesquisas em áreas de baixa prevalência ou silenciosas para leptospirose, pois desta forma medidas de controle e prevenção poderão ser implementadas...

Notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano na população do Município de Garanhuns, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2010 / Human anti-rabies treatment notifications in the Municipality of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2007-2010

Objetivo: descrever as características das notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano no município de Garanhuns, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2010. Métodos: foi realizado estudo descritivo com dados de 1.428 fichas de atendimento antirrábico humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Resultados: a espécie envolvida no maior número de notificações foi a canina (67,5 por cento), sob condição sadia (58,3 por cento), causando ferimentos únicos (52,3 por cento) em mãos/pés (38,2 por cento), considerados graves em 77,1 por cento dos casos; observou-se maior frequência de condutas adequadas nos casos de lesões graves (69,4 por cento); lesões leves e contatos indiretos revelaram condutas inadequadas na maioria dos casos, em todos os anos. Conclusão: ainda existem limitações em relação ao preenchimento das fichas de notificação e estabelecimento de condutas adequadas no tratamento profilático humano da raiva, embora tenha sido observada progressiva melhora na frequência de condutas adequadas no período estudado.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of human anti-rabies treatment notifications in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2007-2010. Methods: descriptive study using data from 1428 human anti-rabies medical record sheld on the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Results: the canine species accounted for the highest number of notifications(67.5 per cent), in healthy conditions (58.3 per cent), causing single injuries (52.3 per cent) to the hands/feet (38.2 per cent) considered to be severe in 77.1 per cent of cases. A higher frequency of adequate procedures was observed regarding serious injuries (69.4 per cent),whereas inadequate procedures were revealed regarding minor injuries and indirect contact in most cases and in all years. Conclusion: limitations still exist in reporting form completion and the establishment of adequate procedures in human rabies prophylactic treatment, although gradual improvement was observed in them during the study period.

Ocorrência de Mollicutes e Ureaplasma spp. em surto de doença reprodutiva em rebanho bovino no Estado da Paraíba / Occurrence of Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. in outbreak of reproductive disease in cattle herds, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Em março de 2012 foi diagnosticado um surto de doença reprodutiva em rebanho bovino no Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram examinadas 32 vacas e dois touros da raça Girolando. As vacas apresentaram sinais de doença reprodutiva como repetição de cio, vulvovaginite granular, infertilidade e abortos. As amostras de suabes vaginais e prepuciais foram colhidas e submetidas a isolamento bacteriano e PCR. As reações da PCR para Mollicutes e Ureaplasma spp. foram realizadas com os iniciadores MGSO-GPO3 e UGP'F-UGP'R, respectivamente. Na Nested PCR para Ureaplasma diversum, os iniciadores usados foram UD1, UD2, UD3 e UD4. Para isolamento bacteriano, as amostras foram diluídas de 10-1 até 10-5, semeadas em meio "UB", líquido e placa, sendo incubadas por até 21 dias a 37ºC em jarra de microaerofilia. A frequência de Mollicutes detectada na PCR foi de 65,6% e para Ureaplasma spp. foi de 50,0%, enquanto que para U. diversum foi de 15,6%. No isolamento a frequência de Mollicutes foi de 57,1% e para Ureaplasma spp. foi de 28,6%. No ágar "UB" foi visualizado o crescimento misto de Mycoplasma spp. e Ureaplasma spp. em seis amostras. Foi confirmado o envolvimento de micro-organismos da Classe Mollicutes em surto de doença reprodutiva em vacas no sertão paraibano.

In March of 2012 was investigated a reproductive disease outbreak in cattle herds from Paraíba State, Brazil. Were examined 32 cows and two bulls Giroland breed. The cows showed signs and symptoms of reproductive failure such as repeat breeding, granular vulvovaginitis, infertility and abortions. Vaginal and preputial mucous samples were collected for analysis by PCR and isolation. The PCR reactions for Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. were realized with primers MGSO and GPO3, and UGP'F and UGP'R respectively. The nested PCR assay for Ureaplasma diversum was realized with primers UD1, UD2, UD3 and UD4. For bacteriologic isolation, obtained samples were diluted up to 10-1 at 10-5, inoculated into liquid and solid "UB" medium, and incubated for up to 21 days, at 37ºC in microaerophilie jar. In the PCR reactions the frequency of Mollicutes detected in the analyzed vaginal mucous samples was 65.6, for Ureaplasma spp. was 50.0, while for U. diversum was 15.6. The frequency for isolation of Mollicutes was of 57.1 and for Ureaplasma spp. was of 28.6. In the UB agar was visualized growth of Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp., associated in six of the samples. In the cows the presence of Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. was confirmed for the reproductive disease outbreak in the semiarid region of Paraiba.